Sophie Baldwin, The Koondrook and Barham Bridge Newspaper

‘No farmers, no food’ was the battle cry as farmers from across the country descended on Federation Mall in Canberra on Tuesday, united in a desire to send a clear message to the Federal Government.

Australian farmers have had enough of poor government policy and appeasing the green vote impacting on their ability to feed the nation – and the world.

The rally was initially organised by Western Australian farmers, incensed over the Albanese government’s decision to ban live-sheep exports by May 1, 2028.

Under support of the National Farmers Federation (NFF), the rally grew to include the myriad issues affecting our nation’s farmers and their ability to do their job – from the live sheep export ban to water buybacks, transmission lines, renewable energy and unfair tax laws.

More than 3,000 people listened to the diverse group of speakers tick off all the issues.

But it is not just farmers impacted by these poor decisions.

Western Australian transport operator Benno Sutherland stands to lose 30 per cent of his business if the live export ban remains in legislation.

He had one simple message for the politicians.

“Reverse the legislation (banning of live sheep exports) for a start and come out and visit the people in rural Australia and see the damage you are doing,” Mr Sutherland said.

This is the second time Deniliquin seedstock producer Steve Fawns has made the trip to Canberra.

He attended the Can the Plan rally back in in 2019 and his concerns haven’t changed regarding the impact of water buybacks on his local community and the rice industry.

“As a seedstock producer I am supportive of the WA farmers and want the live export decision reversed, and as ex-Murray Irrigation Limited director, I understand the impact further buybacks will have, particularly on temporary water prices in the future – and it won’t be good,” Steve said.

He said the crowd was passionate and energised considering early spring is a hard time of the year to get away from the farm.

“It is a long way to come, but we have to stand up and have our voices heard,” Steve said.

National Farmers Federation (NFF) president David Jochinke agreed farmers are getting stiffed.

He said the NFF had made it “very clear” to Anthony Albanese it would not be rolling over on its decision to oppose the live export ban, adding buybacks, transmission lines and renewables to the list.

He reiterated any agriculture policy developed needs to have key stakeholders (farmers) involved.

“Farmers want a fair go and there are too many alternative voices setting the agenda,” Mr Jochinke explained.

“We need to stay united and push our voice first, because no-one else will.

“The message is simple, we hold most of the solutions to the problems that are out there in agriculture and we are some of the best farmers in the world, not only do we adopt the best technology, we bloody well create it.

“So, behind us in this grand house there sits our representatives of every colour and every corner of the nation, and our message is clear, talk to us.”

And with an election on the horizon, he urged all voters to put the pressure on.

“Without farmers, the country is stuffed,” Mr Jochinke said.

The Coalition took the opportunity to stand on the podium telling the large crowd if elected they will stop the live export ban and stop water buybacks.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Federal Water Minister Tanya Plibersek and Agricultural Minister Murray Watt were nowhere to be seen.

This article appeared in The Koondrook and Barham Bridge Newspaper, 12 September 2024.